Bulawayo's Old Gwanda road becomes dumping ground

A 3-kilometre stretch along Bulawayo's Old Gwanda Road has turned into an illegal dumping site, with construction companies and rogue operators discarding rubble, plastic, metals, and other waste along the route. The road, which leads to King Mzilikazi's Mhlahlandlela Royal Palace, now resembles an unofficial landfill.

Residents report that construction companies from Hillside and Burnside suburbs are primarily responsible, dumping materials like concrete, bricks, wood, and plaster sand to avoid paying landfill fees at the Richmond Ngozi Mine. Vendors along nearby Bangcwele Shops said trucks often drive onto the dusty road under the cover of darkness to offload debris.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart condemned the trend, noting that current littering fines are insufficient to deter offenders. He proposed a minimum fine of US$300 for individuals using vehicles to dump waste, arguing it would impose a "painful" enough penalty to discourage repeat offenses. Currently, fines range from US$5 to US$30, which he said are too low, especially for companies.

Clr Coltart cited a recent incident where a businessman was fined just US$30 after being caught dumping litter on Cecil Avenue, saying the penalty was disproportionate to the gravity of the offence.

Councilors are pushing for a review of fines and enforcement capacity. Ward Five Clr Dumisani Nkomo noted that smaller authorities like Victoria Falls impose fines of up to US$100, arguing Bulawayo should follow suit. Ward 17 Clr Sikhululekile Moyo, who chairs the Health, Housing and Education Committee, has been tasked to urgently review and recommend measures to curb the illegal dumping.

Residents, meanwhile, fear the growing heaps of waste could soon become a serious health and environmental hazard if unchecked. The council's proposed 1,000% increase in fines is intended to restore order and discourage reckless dumping by both companies and individuals.